Out of Hours

When the surgery is closed between 6.30pm and 8.00am weekdays and at all times over the weekend please dial 111.

NHS 111 is a national telephone service being introduced to make it easier for people to access local health services when they have an urgent need. It replaces NHS direct and provides a general number for people to call when they have an urgent need, but not a life-threatening 999 emergency. Calls from landlines and mobiles are free.

Fully trained health advisors who are supported by a local Nurse Advisor will staff the South East London NHS 111 call centre. The health advisors will use a clinical assessment system – NHS Pathways – that enables them to assess a caller's needs safely and effectively and direct them to the right local NHS service using our local electronic Directory of Service (DoS). They may direct you to The Hurley Group who run GP out of Hours services for Bexley.

Both centres have x-ray and imaging facilities and are run by teams of local Doctors and Nurses.

Please avoid visiting A&E for minor illness and broken bones unless you have been advised to do so by a clinician.

The UCC is not A&E and should not replace your GP practice or out of hours GP service.

IN AN EMERGENCY DIAL 999 and ask for the AMBULANCE SERVICE. For example those with a suspected heart attack, collapse, haemorrhage, poisoning, electrocution, burns or serious injury. Those with less serious injuries but which might need x-ray of possible broken bones, or cuts which need suture, may be taken direct to the Accident & Emergency Department.

Accident and Emergency (A&E)The A&E departments are open 24 hours a day and based at the following hospitals: Queen Elizabeth in Woolwich, Princess Royal University in Farnborough and Darent Valley in Dartford.

A&E is for the treatment of serious illness or life threatening injuries.

It is worth considering the various options before attending your local A&E department. If your illness can be dealt with by another route, such as NHS 111 you will probably be treated quickly and by the appropriate healthcare professional.